The work presents an overview of the atmospheric emission inventory realized for the Lombardy region for the year 2008, that provides emissions at the municipal scale for 242 activities, 30 fuels and for different pollutants: primary particulate matter of different size, pollutants involved in secondary fine particulate formation, greenhouse gases and toxic compounds. A variety of methodologies are used, as proposed by the EEA Guidebook as well as by IPCC. Estimates are based on activity data collected at local, regional and national level, as well as through specific surveys, and emission factors proposed by the EEA Guidebook and literature. Referring to industrial point sources, data provided by plant handlers are considered. The inventory results highlight the importance of primary particulate matter (PM) and NOx emissions from diesel vehicles in the most populated areas of Lombardy; in other contexts, in many urban and rural areas, wood combustion from residential fireplaces and stoves represents the largely predominant source of PM and B(a)P. For the completeness of sources and pollutants included and the high resolution (municipality level) considered, the emission inventory for Lombardy region is an important base for modeling simulation and for the definition of air quality policies at regional scale.